Would it be a surprise to see the Arizona Cardinals select a player on defense with the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft? Not at all.
The Cardinals have addressed plenty of needs on offense, headlined by the signing of running back Tyler Allgeier, who was brought in on a two-yar $12.5 million contract. Arizona also brought in journeyman quarterback Gardner Minshew on a one-year contract, adding competition to the position with Jacoby Brissett.
Arizona also brought in former Super Bowl Champion, Isaac Seumalo, on a three-year contract worth $31.5 million. This addressed by far the biggest need, that being offensive line.
With most of the offensive needs being under the belt, it is no surprise that general manager Monti Ossenfort is open to going defense with the top three pick that they have. In this situation, you’d think he’d go Arvell Reese out of Ohio State, but CBS Sports has a completely different idea.
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In the recent mock conducted by Pete Prisco, he has the Cardinals foregoing Francis Mauigoa and Arvell Reese, and going with Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey. While it is not a terrible pick, there are certainly questions surrounding his draft stock after not doing so hot at the combine in February.
Bailey, who posted 14.5 sacks and 52 tackles in his senior season with the Red Raiders, did not blow scouts away at the combine.
While he ran a 4.51 40-yard dash at 251 lbs, there were instances where he struggled with balance in changing direction.
There is the opportunity for Bailey to have success at the NFL level, and it could be with the Cardinals, it’s just noteworthy to mention that the balance may be a red flag.